Food display/packing ideas and inspiration

Happy Monday everyone! just a few days before I go back to my "real" day job :o(   I am certainly gonna miss seeing my little guy all day long! How many of you have kids going off to school for the first time?

Sending you some inspiration on food presentation today.  Don't forget about tons of older, but still fresh!, Frosting for your goodies here (link)

Dress up any container with a festive napkin! (image from Zulily email)













Another simple touch... wrap sandwiches, cookies, etc in wax paper, a little twine and using a craft punch, punch out a coordinating shape! Source

Need a quick favor presentation idea? Kraft boxes and a clipping from the yard! Source



















 

Unique food bar ideas/inspiration

It's super rainy here today and I have a migraine to match the weather! EW! I wish I was feeling better to work off some of my Thanksgiving treats heehee... hope everyone is recovering from the holiday!

Here are some fun "food bar" ideas to incorporate into your next event...

Grill cheese can be fancy! Set out fancy cheeses and fresh ingredients for your guests to make a new take on a classic! Source 

YUM! Count me in on this cheese bar! Also... steal the idea of the labeled runners! Source

For your dessert option set up a popcorn bar with lots of seasoning and toppings! Source

 ...and S'mores are ALWAYS a perfect go to! When it gets too cold out, set up gel candles inside to roast your marshmallows and keep the fun going all year round! Source

Unique food displays

First... thanks for all your well wishes! Being sick sucks! ...and I still needed to go to my "day" job because it's a very important week of stuff going on (ew!). At least the weather has been a few degrees cooler!

Wine riddling racks make the perfect cone holders! Source

Use nature elements, like plants, to create a very beautiful way to present things that may look like bar food if you stuff them all on a buffet plate! Serve items on beds of rice, dry beans - think coffee beans, m&ms, etc for sweet items! Source

A spool display would be adorable to display donuts, icecream cones, cannolis (fill your own shell station)... source

How fun is a cookie tree?!? I love how whimsical this display idea is - you could use for more themes than just woodland - just accessorize! Source

Displaying ideas....

Don't forget to enter (here) for this week's 
Naughty & Nice giveaway!

I am such a proponent of attention to display! You don't need to spend a fortune, just make it look that way! It's all in the display details! Here are a few ideas to inspire you!

I love DIY cake stands! They don't have to cost a lot and there are so many different tutorials out there! I thought this one was very clever! Tutorial (can't remember pic source :o( 

Simple touches like serving bread in a glass container with a piece of fabric or ribbon - so simple but so nice! Source: pic taken at Williams and Sonoma - hey! don't forget to take ideas from stores!

Bagels can look so high end just wrapped with a piece of parchment and place into a rustic carrier, box or bowl! Source

Even little touches like paper tied off on a piece of fruit (printed or not!) makes something so simple and inexpensive, so beautiful! Source

 

Party with a rustic/natural flare!

I am SO a rustic/natural girl, but not in the flannel in the woods chopping down trees or skip shaving kind of way... more like a/c cabin with hot tub heehee....

here are some ways to add some rustic and/or natural frosted touches to your next party!

How about this fantastic idea?!? A cupcake bar! Use rustic elements like this weathered looking steel serving platter.  Add some mason jars full of different frosting and toppings, a chalkboard and you have a fantastic party element! Source

Set up a s'more's bar with natural elements that fit the season - here pinecones make the perfect buffet card holders! I love how they make the signs look weathered - excellent detail! These would look great served on planks of wood or slate too! Source

For the perfect nature element use terracotta plates and pots for serving! Looks beautiful, it's functional after the party and so inexpensive!  Think of other outdoor materials you could use like brick and stone! Source unknown :o(

Another use for pots is for utensil holders! How simple, but fantastic do these look? Use white paint pen to label, or just leave plain! Source

Use slices of tree branches as coasters, candle holders or serving elements! Wrap leaves from the yard around candles or vases - tie off with twine for a great rustic natural vibe for little to no cost! Source

Simple favor packaging details!

First, 2 things - 1. Check out my guest post on Cupcakewishesandbirthdaydreams! 2. The Coons Family - you have until tomorrow night to let me know your contact info for the giveaway or we have to have a new winner!

How you present food is as important as it tastes! There are millions of ideas, but here are a few small details to frost your next edible favor!

Always stack up beautifully packaged edible gifts for your guests! Here a ribbon, herbs and silverware make a strong statement! Source

I love simple ideas that have impact! Simple squares of craft paper used to separate each cookie brings color and interest to your dessert table! Image lining them up in a favor box and use squares to separate too! Source

Use parchment, labels and twine to frost your homemade favor - also, you could use this idea to label different kinds of rolls being served or slices of homemade dessert breads Source

How cute are these bags?!? Rumor has it you can feed brown bags through your reg printer at home, I so need to try this! What a great way to make something so inexpensive look so good! ...p.s. I so need that tray! Source found via hiphostess blog

Speaking of brown bags... a wrap around label makes all the difference! And it can be functional too - put the flavor of the cookie/treat inside! Source